Despite long-time attacks on pregnancy resource centers (PRCs), Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has launched a pilot program meant to provide support, resources, and health care for pregnant women and babies — essentially mimicking the services PRCs already provide.
Shapiro and Department of Health Secretary Debra Bogen spoke about the program at the opening of the State Health Center in Lock Haven. Bogen specifically said this program is needed to help parents who struggle finding access to care and resources they need.
For close to 25 years, I, as a pediatrician, provided care to families with newborns in the hospital. In the pediatric outpatient clinic, I had the amazing opportunity to watch those newborns grow into children, teens and young adults. In my role as a pediatrician I also supported parents in their parenting journeys.
From these experiences, I know that pregnancy, delivery and the post-partum periods can be joyous and exciting, but they can also be very overwhelming — especially the first time.
That is why the Shapiro Administration is doing everything within its power to help ensure mothers, babies and their families have the support they need to thrive.
Bogen pointed out that women can face difficulties finding health care during pregnancy, and services will vary in the program, thanks to a partnership with UPMC of North Central Pennsylvania. Women who visit the centers can receive pregnancy tests, prenatal vitamins, health assessments, vital sign monitoring, depression screenings, car seat safety checks, and educational sessions, as well as social services, like referrals for mental health, substance abuse, WIC, SNAP, health coverage, food insecurity, housing, transportation and more.
If this sounds familiar, it’s because these are many of the same services that traditional and medical PRCs already provide.
Yet Shapiro also was the one who defunded PRCs, cancelling the Real Alternatives contract in 2023. Real Alternatives, a PRC with over 75 locations across Pennsylvania, had received over $60 million in state funding since 2012. His reasoning for removing the funding seemed to solely be that Real Alternatives does not commit or refer for abortions.
“For decades, taxpayer dollars have gone to fund Real Alternatives. My administration will not continue that pattern — we will ensure women in this commonwealth receive the reproductive health care they deserve,” Shapiro said in a press release at the time. “Pennsylvanians made clear by electing me as governor that they support a woman’s freedom to choose, and I will be steadfast in defending that right.”
The services provided by Real Alternatives include counseling, pregnancy tests, clothing, food, furniture, shelter, adoption information, and more.
Shapiro’s new program will take place at Department of Health centers, many of which commit abortions — which goes to show that Shapiro’s problem isn’t with the services PRCs provide — it’s with the fact that there is one ‘service’ they don’t provide: abortion. Shapiro’s objection is putting ideological biases over women’s health.
